Chelsea ‘to return’ with improved Granit Xhaka bid as Sunderland hold firm | OneFootball

Sunderland Echo understands that Chelsea are set to table an improved second bid for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, with head coach Xabi Alonso driving the pursuit.

An opening offer of around eight million pounds has already been rejected and the Black Cats have told suitors they will not entertain proposals. A follow-up bid is expected, if not already submitted, at £10 million to £12.5 million plus add-ons.

Xhaka is thought to be keen on the switch and Alonso is eager to work with the 33-year-old. Even so, Chelsea’s hierarchy are reluctant to overpay, while Sunderland only signed him from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a package worth about £17.5 million and regard him as central to Régis Le Bris’ plans.

The Switzerland international was made captain soon after arriving and quickly became an influential presence on and off the pitch. That is why the Wearside club do not want to be pushed into a sale, and any agreement would require a significant change in the figures. For now, their stance is unchanged.

Adding intrigue, Sunderland qualified for Europe at Chelsea’s expense last season, securing a Europa League berth. Chelsea missed out and were beaten twice by the North East side, making the pursuit of Sunderland’s captain all the more notable.

Source: Sunderland Echo